Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) of federal backing for its amendment bill.

Mr Shettima gave the assurance on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving an ICSAN delegation.

The delegation was led by ICSAN President and Chairman of Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah.

The vice president congratulated the institute on its 60th anniversary, describing the milestone as a celebration of professionalism and integrity.

“You have earned it, and the nation is better for the work you have done,” Mr Shettima said.

He praised the institute’s contribution to governance, corporate leadership, and institutional development across Nigeria over six decades.

“You are truly a consequential organisation, and your predecessors served this nation with distinction,” he added.

Mr Shettima reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the proposed Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria bill.

“Collectively, we will engage stakeholders and fast-track the passage of the amendment bill,” the vice president stated.

He said the legislation would reposition the institute and broaden its relevance in modern governance practice.

“So that you can operate at a much higher pedestal than you are now,” he added.

Mr Shettima also pledged support for the institute’s sustainability, advocacy, and institutional development programmes.

“Once you become a chartered institute, expectations will skyrocket, but be assured I am fully onboard.

“We have to work together on the amendment bill. It is long overdue,” he said.

Earlier, Ms  Ukpanah appealed for support in securing the bill’s passage.

Ms Ukpanah said the institute’s name and mandate must evolve with emerging governance realities across global jurisdictions.

She explained that the proposed legislation would strengthen governance practice in both private and public institutions.

Ms Ukpanah also sought federal support for the institute’s building project in Lagos.

She noted that ICSAN had spent 60 years promoting governance standards, professional ethics, and institutional accountability nationwide. 

(NAN)